Consul-General Attends the Opening Ceremony of AI Horizon 2026
2026/10/6
On October 6th, Mr. Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, attended the opening ceremony of AI Horizon 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC). The two-day event, held on October 6th and 7th, brought together representatives from government, industry, academia and other sectors to discuss a wide range of issues, including the practical application of AI, human resource development, industrial applications of AI and AI governance.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, referred to Penang’s longstanding role in driving Malaysia’s technological and manufacturing development and stressed the importance of actively embracing new technological innovations, including AI. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that humans remain in control of AI and of achieving an appropriate balance between technological advancement and human society as AI rapidly expands into areas such as education, healthcare and industry.
Mr. Machida exchanged views with participants from the United Kingdom, Finland, India and other countries, as well as representatives from Penang’s digital and technology sectors and local companies, before and after the opening ceremony. The discussions covered a wide range of issues concerning the present and future of AI, including the cost of AI use, its introduction into business operations, power and water infrastructure for data centres, constraints in semiconductor and electronic component supply, the impact of AI on employment and professional occupations, education, human resource development and AI governance.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang will continue to closely follow technological and industrial developments relating to AI, semiconductors, data centres and related fields in Malaysia and Penang, while maintaining dialogue with relevant institutions and companies and providing useful information to Japanese companies and other stakeholders. The Consulate-General will also continue to work with relevant partners to further promote exchanges and cooperation between Japan and Penang in these emerging technology fields.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, referred to Penang’s longstanding role in driving Malaysia’s technological and manufacturing development and stressed the importance of actively embracing new technological innovations, including AI. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that humans remain in control of AI and of achieving an appropriate balance between technological advancement and human society as AI rapidly expands into areas such as education, healthcare and industry.
Mr. Machida exchanged views with participants from the United Kingdom, Finland, India and other countries, as well as representatives from Penang’s digital and technology sectors and local companies, before and after the opening ceremony. The discussions covered a wide range of issues concerning the present and future of AI, including the cost of AI use, its introduction into business operations, power and water infrastructure for data centres, constraints in semiconductor and electronic component supply, the impact of AI on employment and professional occupations, education, human resource development and AI governance.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang will continue to closely follow technological and industrial developments relating to AI, semiconductors, data centres and related fields in Malaysia and Penang, while maintaining dialogue with relevant institutions and companies and providing useful information to Japanese companies and other stakeholders. The Consulate-General will also continue to work with relevant partners to further promote exchanges and cooperation between Japan and Penang in these emerging technology fields.